Page 54 of Consuming Logan

“Okay, then. Let’s see your baby.” The crinkle of a paper gown sounded, and then Ava felt cool gel on her belly. The sudden blast of cold sent a shiver down her spine. Goosebumps erupted on her skin. She reached for Logan, threading her fingers through his.

“I’m here, sweetheart,” he said, squeezing her hand.

“Apology accepted,” she whispered. Tension lines around his mouth that she hadn’t noticed relaxed.

“Thank you,” he rasped.

Why did he sound so relieved? Did he think she would abandon him… the life they had built together? Man, his parents had been married four decades, but Logan had no concept of unconditional love. She would show him, every day of their lives together.

Logan smiled down at her. Ava mouthed, “I love you.”

“There’s the fetal sac. And baby should appear on the monitor in 3-2-1,” Jared announced.

Ava and Logan kept their eyes glued to the screen. The rapid sequence of lubs-dubs, their baby’s heartbeat filled the room.

“Oh, Logan, that’s our baby’s having a concert in there.”

When he didn’t say anything. She cut her eye’s away from the monitor.

“Jared?” Logan said, clearly alarmed by something. “Is the baby?”

There was some unspoken medical doctor communication happening. Was something wrong with the baby?

Panicked, Ava moved to sit up, her heartbeat rapid. “What’s wrong?”

Logan bent, placing a kiss to her forehead. “It’s fine, Ava.”

His words were calm, but his gripped tightened around her fingers.

Jared said nothing. He continued to maneuver the corded transducer around her abdomen, looking at the baby from different angles.

“Ah, and mystery solved. Everything is fine.” The gynecologist said before he turned off the machine and wiped the gel from Ava’s stomach.

Ava breathed a sigh of relief, while Logan looked as if he needed to sit down. “I feel much better. Thank you.”

“The twins look great. Congratulations.”

What? Ava shot her eyes to a paled Logan. “Two babies. Oh my God,” she breathed. “This is amazing.” Tears welled. Ava couldn’t contain her joy.

Chapter 20

Two babies. Two car seats. Two cribs. Logan had full use of one hand. Seriously, he felt as if he’d been relocated to another planet. What if he disappointed Ava as a father to their children? He needed this appointment over.

“I’m the one carrying two babies,” she smiled, “yet you look ready to deliver.”

Ava had texted the news to every contact in her phone list. He could barely remember his own name.

Logan reached for the little imp, but she scooted her chair out of reach. “Brat.”

Forming a pout, she blew him an air kiss. “You look terrified, babe.”

This road detoured one hundred and eighty degrees off his plan for their lives. How were they supposed to manage two careers with twin newborns?

“A little,” he lied. He was absolutely freaking terrified. Not that he was concerned with the job, not really. Truly, he wasn’t sure he could be a good father to one child. What if he messed up their kids? He was hoping their first child would be a test run of his parenting skills. Ideally, he’d be better when the second baby arrived. But now, there would be two little people depending on him to get everything right. Gripping his forehead, he winced. This could be painful. His worst fears started to churn. What if he disappointed Ava and she left him?

“Don’t worry,” she said, brushing her thumb across his knuckles. “We’ll have plenty of help.”

Sighing, Logan let his shoulders fall away from his ears. They would figure out a plan together. The door opened and Logan’s competition for the chief of surgery position walked into the room. Ava rose from her seat, color still high in her cheeks. Logan laughed. He hadn’t thought it possible, but elation poured over her like fresh morning rain.